# 1. Global functions Global functions can be used in an **action** element:

debug	text: string	Sends a message to the debug console.
sleep	millis: int	Stops script execution for the specified milliseconds. Never stops the execution of the application.
env	text: string returns string	Gets the value of an environment variable.
exec	text: string \[Dir: string\]	Run an external application. Optionally, you can specify a directory to change to.
execWait	text: string \[Dir: string\]	Executes external application and waits for its completion. Optionally, you can specify a directory to change to.
sendKeys	text: string	Simulates the pressing of the keys indicated. You can see more information on the [ESSO sendKeys syntax page](https://bookstack.soffid.com/books/esso/page/11-esso-sendkeys-syntax).
sendText	text: string	Simulates keystroke typed text. Unlike the SendKeys function, the text is sent, verbatim, without any interpretation.
alert	text: string	Displays a confirmation message to the user.
progress	text: string	Displays a progress message without confirmation from the user.
cancelProgress		Hide progress message.
alertNoWait	text: string	A message, but does not expect the user confirmation.